HIGHER EDUCATION PROJECTS
The Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation supports projects that promote new economic development, demonstrate a sustained positive impact, and benefit community foundations, educational institutions, civic entities, local government, and non-profit organizations through matching gifts.
Renovating the Iconic Union Club Hotel at Purdue University
In 2018, The White Family Foundation pledged $30 million to Purdue University in West Lafayette for the transformative renovation of the 182-room Union Club Hotel. This year-long renovation included the overhaul of all public spaces and guest rooms, and a significant update to the lobby, all while preserving Purdue’s original architecture and academic-inspired design.
Honoring Purdue’s Relationship with the White Family, and the Union Club Hotel at Purdue University joins the Marriott Autograph Collection
On October 1, 2021, Purdue’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management officially became the White Lodging – J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. This name change honors the contributions made to Purdue University by the White Family and J.W. “Bill” Marriott, Jr.
The Dean V. White Real Estate Finance Program
In April 2022, the White Family Foundation committed $20.8 million to Purdue to create the Dean V. White Real Estate Finance program, named in honor of the late Dean White. This academic minor is available to management students and students across other university disciplines, providing them with high-impact, experiential opportunities to plan, develop and manage commercial real estate projects.
